Author: Mike Yongxi Mai

Applying for location permits in China can be complex, with requirements varying significantly by city. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai often involve higher costs and stricter processes, while smaller cities may offer more flexibility. Regardless of location, applicants must submit comprehensive documentation, including project descriptions, crew details, shooting schedules, and equipment lists. For government-managed venues, additional approvals from higher-level authorities are typically required. Foreign crews must also hold valid visas (e.g., J2 for media projects) and secure permissions from foreign affairs departments.

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Case Studies: Real-World Scenarios

1. Japanese Client: Supermarket Interview in Beijing

• Plan: A Japanese team aimed to interview shoppers purchasing Japanese products at a large Beijing supermarket, with a local cameraman filming solo using an iPhone.
• Challenge: The supermarket declined the permit application.
• Solution: The team switched to a smaller Japanese grocery store, where securing permission was faster and more straightforward.

2. European Photographer: Residential Building in Shanghai

• Plan: A solo European photographer sought to capture cityscapes from a residential hallway.
• Assessment: Our fixer determined the low-impact shoot posed minimal disruption and risk of enforcement.
• Advice: We advised against applying for a permit, as the public/private nature of the space and foreign involvement would require disproportionate time and resources.

3.International Travel Show: Large Mall in Suburban Shanghai

• Plan: An 8-person crew with J2 visas filmed a travel segment in a suburban mall.
• Process: With complete documentation, the permit was approved smoothly.
• Note: The mall charged an hourly fee for filming.

4. U.S. Client: B-Roll Shoot in Zhuhai

• Plan: A local cameraman filmed B-roll solo in a suburban Zhuhai mall.
• Outcome: The mall approved the permit free of charge after reviewing detailed project materials.

5. Hong Kong Media: Environmental Documentary in Guangdong

• Plan: A small crew filmed a documentary in a small Guangdong city.
• Challenge: The first city rejected the application.
• Solution: The team switched to another city where permissions were granted.

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Key Takeaways

• Private Venues: Smaller or less famous venues in smaller cities tend to be more permit-friendly than high-profile locations in major cities.
• Government-Managed Spaces: Major cities often have more structured (though costly) processes, while smaller cities may lack clear protocols, leading to unpredictability.
• Documentation Matters: Thorough preparation streamlines approvals, even for solo shoots.
• Flexibility is Key: Having backup locations or scaling down plans can save time and resources.

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Recommendations for Foreign Crews

• Work with local fixers to assess permit necessity and navigate bureaucracy.
• Prioritize low-impact setups and discreet venues for simpler projects.
• Always secure valid visas and align shoots with regional policies.

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